The Precepts Of Jesus

A guide through life — to immortality!

By John MacDuff, 1858

"Remember the words I spoke to you." John 15:20

"This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to Him!" Mark 9:7

"O be my Counselor, My Pattern and my Guide; And through this desert land, Still keep me near Your side. O let my feet ne'er run astray, Nor rove, nor seek the crooked way!"

INTRODUCTION It is our incumbent duty to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, and give earnest heed to the truths which proceeded from His gracious lips. "Never any man spoke like this man!" was the testimony of the officers who were sent to apprehend him—a testimony altogether spontaneous and unbribed on the one hand — and most faithful and true on the other.

The whole of His instructions have the highest claims upon our devout regards. In every doctrine He taught, every invitation He uttered, every promise He gave — we should "listen to Him!" And while we ought to listen to His voice as He speaks to us in words of encouragement and consolation , we are also to be equally attentive when, in a more practical strain, He enforces the various duties we have to discharge as His followers!

Our attachment to the gospel is very doubtful, if we are only concerned about enjoying its privileges — while its demands and obligations are viewed with less favor. But if we take as much delight in the precepts which enjoin holiness of heart and life — as we do in the promises which contain the richest blessings, and insure exemption from the sorest calamities — it is a conclusive evidence that our love of the truth is sincere and genuine.

The following brief meditations, intended for the Christian's daily perusal, are based upon a few of those divine injunctions which the Savior delivered — and which relate to the spirit we should nourish — and the conduct it befits us to pursue. Favored with such lessons from the mouth of the great Teacher, all of which are most impressively enforced by His own bright example — what kind of people ought we to be in all holy living and godliness! May each reader of this small volume aspire to reach that high standard which is laid down in these sacred precepts — and thereby afford a living demonstration of the unspeakable superiority of the Christian system, to all that ancient sages ever taught, or the most enlightened moralists of more modern times ever inculcated! John MacDuff, February 6, 1858

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength . This is the first commandment." Mark 12:30.

Of all the precepts of Jesus, this is, undoubtedly, the chief. What it enjoins is love to God — even the highest, warmest love of which we are capable. True love to Him cannot be a secondary or subordinate feeling. We cannot love Him sincerely — unless we love Him supremely . He is not loved at all — unless He is loved above all. "Love," as one remarks, "when creatures are the objects of it, should, like ordinary rivers, be kept within banks and bounds; but when God is its object, it should overflow like the Nile, or spread itself like a sea without limits."

The first is, what He IS in Himself. He is the perfection of moral beauty, the source and center of all excellence, infinitely holy, just, and true. Whatever is lovely and of good report in created beings — is only a dim shadow of His infinite attractions; nothing but feeble rays from His ineffable light and glory.

If we are for ascertaining what the blessed God is — let us ask those who know Him best. What are the feelings of the angelic legions who surround His throne, and of the spirits of the perfected just who have been feasting for ages upon His smiles? They know full well that their highest admiration of His matchless character falls unspeakably short of what it deserves, and that their affection, if intensified to a degree of fervency ten thousand fold greater than what they have realized in their most ecstatic moments — would be completely disproportionate to His infinite claims!

But, in addition to what He is in Himself — we are to bear in mind what He has DONE for us. To love Him, on the former ground, being more unselfish, is, of necessity, a higher feeling — than that which takes the form of devout gratitude for the benefits we have received from His bountiful hand.

Some have contended that love of this latter kind is essentially spurious, being based upon mere selfish considerations, and that God can only be truly loved on account of His intrinsic perfections. Others, again, have argued that such absolute unselfishness is impossible, and that the emotions of the heart cannot be called forth by any abstract virtues in however high a degree they may appear. We believe that both of these classes have fallen into error. Imperfect as we are, our nature is evidently capable of such a state of mind as is repudiated in the second objection. We all feel sentiments of admiration and love while contemplating true nobility of character — although we personally have never profited by it.

As to the former opinion, it is in direct contrariety to the whole tenor of the sacred volume. The penitent woman in the house of Simon loved much — because she had much forgiven. And the Savior, far from stigmatizing it, in consequence of its being prompted by such a feeling, warmly commended her in the presence of the whole company. "I love the Lord," is the language of David. Why? "Because He has heard my voice and my supplication." "We love Him," says John, not simply or chiefly on account of what He is in Himself — but, "because He first loved us." It is evident that He deserves our love on both grounds; whether we regard Him as the "altogether lovely," in His own ineffable nature, or as the fountainhead whence every blessing flows, both of providence and grace — He has the strongest claims upon our highest and holiest affections.

How blessed is the promise, "And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart — to love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, that you may live."

"O Lord, let my heart be thus circumcised. Abundant reason have I to mourn over the feebleness of my love to You; but as You can break the hardest heart — so You can warm the coldest heart. O shed abroad Your love within me by the Holy Spirit, and enable me to manifest its constraining influence, by doing Your will and devoting myself to Your glory!"

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven — but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." Matthew 7:21.

We cannot be too often reminded of the important truth — that true religion is a practical thing. While it includes knowledge and experience — it also includes practice; and the two former will be altogether worthless — unless they produce the latter.

In doing the will of God, the true believer finds enjoyment . He can say, in the language of the great Master, "I delight to do your will, O my God; yes, your law is within my heart." "For this is the love of God," says the apostle John, "that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not grievous." The reason why they are not grievous — is because the bias of the believer's mind is towards them; because the desires and instincts of his new nature go after them. Does the magnetic needle always turn to the same point? Do the rivers flow on without resting until they reach the ocean? Do the flames ever rise upward — and objects of weight and substance invariably fall downward? As there are natural principles operating in such cases — so there are spiritual principles operating in connection with the child of God.

In proportion as his soul is sanctified — he is sure to delight in the law of the Lord, and take it as his heritage forever. Compliance with the divine requirements may be a very irksome thing to many — but the Christian finds it his food and drink, to do the will of his Father who is in heaven. Others may think it a wearisome drudgery — but the Christian regards it, on the contrary, as pure delight. Perfect freedom does he find that to be — which is looked upon by many as a hard and heavy bondage.

Our obedience , in order to be cheerful and joyous, must be evangelical . It must be, both as regards substance and motive — such as God requires in His Word. Several things may prompt men to endeavor to walk in the way of His precepts. Custom may prompt them. They have been trained from their earliest days to show a considerable amount of respect for the things which are just, true, lovely, and of good report. Conscience may prompt them. That inward monitor , when allowed to speak, never fails to plead the cause of Him who implanted it as his viceregent in the human heart. A legal spirit may prompt them — by doing certain things they expect to secure eternal life, or they have a vague hope that they will at least contribute in some measure to its attainment. But in none of these cases, is the will of God be done with delight. Such obedience will be either formal on the one hand — or wearisome and heartless task on the other. It is only as we comply with the divine precepts upon gospel principles , that we shall find wisdom's ways to be those of pleasantness, and realize that in keeping of them there is great reward.

Reader, endeavor to cultivate such a spirit. Aspire after the mind of the Psalmist, who declared, "I will run the way of your commandments, when you shall enlarge my heart." Thus only can you be regarded as belonging to the household of faith, and be spiritually related to Him who is the first-born among many brethren. "For whoever shall do the will of My Father who is in heaven — the same is My brother, and sister, and mother." Such alone are recognized by Him now — and none else will He acknowledge in the great day of judgment!

"For one is your Master, even Christ; and you are all brothers." Matthew 23:8.

All men, however divided by language, social position, or mental endowments — form one vast brotherhood . All men are the workmanship of the same divine hand; all have emanated from the same original stock; and all are partakers of the same common nature — with its diversified needs, feelings, sympathies, and aspirations.

When our country was agitated on the subject of slavery, a medal was struck, on which a black man was represented with his chains around him, and with clasped hands, and imploring looks, he inquires, "Am I not a man — and a brother ?" The manner in which we responded to that touching appeal, showed that we recognized the claim in both of its branches. We acknowledged him first as a man , and then we held out the right hand of fellowship to him as a brother also. A brother deeply degraded, it is true — but still a brother. Although often treated like a brute, the tyrant's lash having made deep its furrows upon his lacerated frame, until the blood flowed in copious currents — yet still a brother. And not these sable bondsmen alone — but every kindred and tribe. God has made of one blood, all nations of men that dwell on the face of the earth — and towards all, should the throbbings of tender compassion and generous philanthropy be felt.

But while the whole human family should be thus viewed as brethren, there is a class, separated from the rest, who are so in a sense far higher and holier, namely — the household of faith . To the former we are bound by natural ties — to the latter by spiritual ties. And while we should love all people with the love of benevolence and good will; towards those with whom we are united in the faith and fellowship of the gospel — our love should be that of delight — a love resembling our Heavenly Father's, who takes pleasure in His saints, and who rejoices over them with joy and singing.

It is recorded of the early disciples of Christ, that "they remembered His words." Well would it be for those who now bear His name ever to keep this saying in mind, "And all you are brethren!" We may differ concerning many minor matters — but surely any trifling diversities of judgment in reference to such points, which have little or no relation to "the weightier matters of the law," should not be permitted to cool our affection, or operate as a barrier to united efforts in opposing the great enemy, and advancing the kingdom of our common Lord.

"Let our only rivalry," to quote the striking language of a living writer, "be the holy one of who shall do most and succeed best in converting the wilderness into an Eden, and causing the desert to blossom as the rose. Like those allies on Crimean fields who forgot their old quarrels, and buried the recollections of the past in oblivion — let us all sit down together before the great fortress of the evil one. They cooperated for the common good. Rebuking our wretched jealousies, and presenting us with a heroic example of generous sympathy and indomitable energy, in the teeth of frost and famine, and pestilence and war — they clung to the rocks of that stormy shore. With mutual cooperation they threw up their batteries — they pressed on their lines — they manned the trenches — they rushed to the assault, mingling the shouts of different nations in the same gallant charge, and the blood of different races on the same battlefield. And if nations , once hostile, there fought and fell together — then why should not different churches come to as common and cordial an understanding. If we make a united effort, I believe, with God's blessing, we shall make an irresistible assault upon the strongholds of sin and Satan."

"Blessed God! Giver of peace and lover of concord — unite the hearts of all Your people in holy love and harmony. Adorable Jesus! the great object of Your gracious mission to our sinful and distracted world was, that You might gather together in one, all the children of God that are scattered abroad. Soon let Your prayer, offered on the night of Your sore agony, be fully answered, that they all may be one — that the world may believe that you have sent Me."

"If you continue in My Word — then are you My disciples indeed." John 8:31.

There is an account given of a certain slave who had been treated with great kindness by his master. The favor shown to him was well deserved, for he appears to have been eminently faithful and devoted. At length the master resolved, as a reward for his good conduct, to grant him his liberty; and he was informed that he could go wherever he pleased, and serve any employer he thought proper. His instant reply was, "Me leave you, my dear master — Oh no! not for all the world! I need no wages to serve you!" And with special emphasis he added, "if you turn me out at one door — this poor nigger will come back in at once through the other!"

The spirit which this slave manifested, is one after which we ought to aspire in reference to Him, whose servants we profess to be. He loved his master, and the thought of leaving his service — he could not entertain for a single moment. He resolved to abide with him, for better and for worse, a resolve to which he gave utterance in the above simple , but very striking and emphatic words.

What the Savior demands is not a mere temporary allegiance and devotedness — but He requires us to be steadfast and immovable to the end of our days. In order to this, several things are indispensable; but to have a thorough renewal of heart is doubtless the chief thing. There may be deep convictions , and warm and lively emotions , in the absence of this great change; but without a thorough renewal of heart — there will be nothing lasting. Unless the heart of stone is taken away, and a heart of flesh implanted in its stead — all will be in vain. We may be moved and melted, like stones in damp weather, which appear as if they were beginning to dissolve; but the dampness soon evaporates, and they are found to be stones still — cold, hard, and unyielding. So will it be with us — if we are satisfied with anything short of the fulfillment of the gracious promise, "I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone — and give you a heart of flesh. I will place My Spirit within you — and cause you to follow My statutes and carefully observe My ordinances."

If a new heart is created in us, and a right spirit is renewed within us, there will assuredly be patient continuance in the ways of the Lord. That the principles of divine grace in the soul possess a character of permanence, is a truth clearly set forth in the inspired volume. They are not like the summer's brook, which may soon dry up; but they resemble the full and over-flowing fountain. "Whoever drinks of this water," said Jesus, "shall thirst again: but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him — shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life!"

Of all the evidences of the possession of saving grace, a steady growth therein, is the most conclusive. If we spotted, towards the hour of early dawn, a faint gleam of light streaking the eastern horizon, and were not certain whether it was the break of day or not, what would be the best course to be pursued in seeking to decide the matter? It would evidently be to wait a little while . If it is the light of day, then it is sure to increase, and half an hour's patience will be more than sufficient to settle the point. While on the other hand, if it remains stationary, or, after a few fitful glimmerings, altogether disappears, it may be safely concluded that it is only the reflection of some artificial illumination.

Just so with the great concern. "The path of the just is as the shining light, which shines more and more, unto the perfect day." His course is steady, progressive, continuous ; and it behooves us seriously to inquire whether ours is of that nature. May He who is able to preserve our goings, grant to us His continuing grace, so that, firmly rooted and grounded, we may never be moved away from the hope of the gospel.

"Until now you have not asked for anything in My name . Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." John 16:24.

Among the many indispensable prerequisites of acceptable prayer, one of the chief is that of asking in the name of Jesus . "Whatever you shall ask the Father in My name — He will give you." As if He had said, When you draw near to His footstool, only make use of My name — and you will find it a sure passport to His favor. Make it known that you belong to Me, and that My name is dear to you — and all your requests will be granted. Ask whatever you will — the forgiveness of your sins — the sanctifying influences of His grace — strength in weakness — light in darkness — joy in sorrow — every blessing you need, both for time and eternity — will He give you. So beloved am I by Him, that for My sake — He will refuse you nothing!

Christian, do you believe this? If you do, act upon it. Draw near to the throne of grace with the confidence which such an assurance ought to inspire. The promise is, " Whatever you shall ask," implying that you can ask largely, and that you need not fear to extend your requests to the utmost limits of your manifold necessities. "Open your mouth wide — and I will fill it."

It is recorded that an individual once applied to Alexander the Great for a sum of money, as a marriage portion for his daughter. The king sent him to his treasurer, and told him to demand whatever he pleased. He went, and asked for an enormous sum. The treasurer, astounded by such a request, said that he could not think of giving so much without an express order, or without consulting the king on the subject. On laying the case before his royal master, he stated that a small part of the amount requested would be sufficient to serve the purpose for which it was required. But what did Alexander say in response? "Yes; let him have it all; he does me honor; he treats me like a king, and proves, by what he asks, that he believes me to be both rich and generous!" Christian, go and do likewise!

"You are coming to a King, Large petitions with you bring; For His grace and power are such, None can ever ask too much!"

But our requests, whether large or more limited, must ever be presented in the name of Jesus . "For Jesus' sake," must be our only plea. As He is the only medium of approach, so must He be the exclusive ground of our confidence. "For Jesus' sake," this is an argument that can never fail. It is the magic key which opens all the riches both of grace and glory! It is the golden key which unlocks the cabinet wherein is contained inexhaustible treasures! It is only in virtue of His adorable name, that the voice from heaven proclaims, "All things are yours, whether the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; and you are Christ's; and Christ is God's!"

"Jesus replied — I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree — but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done!" Matthew 21:21.

We can say of faith , in the language of the Psalmist in reference to Zion, that "glorious things are spoken" concerning it. Whose heart does not leap within him, as he reads the records of faith's achievements in the eleventh chapter of the book of Hebrews? All the wonders of the ancient church we are there shown, were wrought through this divine principle. During the personal ministry of the Savior, how clearly was its importance evinced. His miraculous blessings were conferred in almost every case on one simple condition; He required all who applied to Him to believe -and to those who were enabled to do so, His power was at once put forth. But there were seasons when His mighty arm seemed to be paralyzed , and when the flow of His omnipotent compassion was suddenly checked; and what was it that produced so strange a result? "He could do no mighty works there — because of their unbelief."

How necessary, then, is the prayer, "Lord, increase our faith!" Those who are strong in faith — can give their fears to the winds; they possess a shield with which they are able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one; and against the allurements of time and sense — they have a sure safeguard! "For this is the victory that overcomes the world — even our faith." Well may the poet say,

"O could we but believe; Then all would easy be!"

There are two things to which faith has particular respect, namely — the divine power and the divine faithfulness . The question which the Redeemer put to the blind men was, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They at once replied, "Yes, Lord!" and according to their faith, it was done to them. The same question is now proposed to us — and happy are those who can exercise similar confidence.

Those numberless sins of yours — do you believe that I am able to pardon them? Those evil propensities of yours — do you believe that I am able to subdue them? Those threatening disasters — do you believe that I am able to avert them? Those fiery trials — do you believe that I am able to support you under, and bring you safely through them? Let our answer be, "Yes, Lord! for with You nothing is impossible, and You are able to do exceeding abundantly above all that I can ask or think!"

"When He entered the house, the blind men approached Him, and Jesus said to them, 'Do you believe that I m able to do this?' 'Yes, Lord!' they answered Him. Then He touched their eyes, saying, 'Let it be done for you — according to your faith!'" Matthew 9:28-29

We are also to remember that His faithfulness is as great as His power. Not merely is He able to perform what He has promised — but He will surely do what He has declared. Let God be true, though all men were liars; for Him to deceive is altogether impossible; He will not allow His faithfulness to fail.

God grant that we may be preserved from dishonoring Him by giving way to an evil heart of unbelief . While we doubt His Word, or cherish any secret misgivings in reference to His adorable character — how greatly do we sin against Him. We are all of us, truly guilty in this matter, and shame and confusion of face befit us in consequence. No wonder that our souls have been unblessed; no wonder that our prayers have been unanswered. "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord!" James 1:5-7

"This is what I command you — love one another." John 15:17.

There are some people who can speak on certain subjects with marked propriety. We at once perceive that the apostle John, for example, could with great appropriateness, insist upon the obligations of brotherly love, since he himself exhibited that feature of the Christian character in so conspicuous a manner. And if John, owing to this circumstance, had a special right to enlarge upon such a topic, how much more may the Blessed Jesus call attention to it, and make it a prominent subject of exhortation and appeal. For a loving Savior to command us to love one another — with what special grace could He do so!

But this duty, by whoever enforced — is in itself preeminently reasonable. While we ought to regard all our fellow creatures with feelings of kindness and good-will, it is clearly incumbent upon us to nourish other and higher emotions towards those with whom we are united by spiritual bonds. The household of faith should evidently be regarded by us with an attachment of no common kind.

We are told that "everyone who loves the Father — loves His children, also." Loving Christ — we shall love His people; and we shall be likely to love them — just in proportion as we love Him. The lines in a circle, the nearer they approach the center, become increasingly closer to each other. The loadstone cannot attract the particles of iron to itself, without bringing the entire mass into direct contact at the same time. And so with Christ, the great central object of the gospel system — if we live near to Him, we are sure to feel a nearness to all who are animated by His spirit, and bear His gracious image. And while He is a stumbling stone and rock of offence to His enemies — He is a loadstone to His people, who are made willing in the day of His power. And as we are drawn to Him — so shall we, under the influence of the same divine attraction — be drawn to one another. The distance being removed between our souls and Himself as the Great Head — it will also be removed in reference to all the members of His mystical body .

We are to remember that love to the brethren should not be a matter of mere theory , or vague sentimentalism — but of a practical character. It was said by Jacob in his dying charge concerning one of his sons, "Naphtali is a hind let loose; he gives goodly words." And it is to be feared that the brotherly affection of many consists altogether in kind expressions ; they give "goodly words," but that is all. The Scriptures, however, in the strongest manner condemn the love which exists in word and in tongue exclusively, and approve only of that which is in deed and in truth . Hence we read of "the labor of love," and when it is genuine and vigorous, its labors will be abundant; it will be "full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." Love without activity, is like fire — without heat; or like a shadow — without a substance; or like a fountain — without a stream; or like a body — without a soul. What James says of faith can be said of love , its sister grace, "If it has not works — it is dead, being alone."

Child of God, seek for an increase of brotherly affection. Yield yourself more and more to its compassionate promptings. Covet daily that richest of all luxuries — the luxury of doing good . Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, "It is more blessed to give — than to receive." Many of your brethren in the Lord, fellow-heirs with yourself of the heavenly inheritance, are suffering great privations; and will you not, from your more ample means, extend to them some trifling relief? "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?"

"Jesus answered and said unto them — This is the work of God, that you believe on Him whom He has sent." John 6:29.

It is evident that true faith in the Lord Jesus is something more than a mere assent to the things concerning Him. It is a belief that is invariably connected with certain results, the first and chief of which is a personal application to Him for life and salvation. Faith has always respect to some testimony, to some statement made, or assurance given. To have faith in one of our fellow-creatures, is to place reliance upon the veracity of his declarations. In like manner faith in Christ has reference to the Word of Christ. "The one who comes unto Me, I will never cast out," is one of the most precious and encouraging of His many gracious sayings.

Now the sinner, convinced of his lost condition, and conscious of the danger to which he is exposed, believes this promise to be true; but is he satisfied with merely assenting to it as such? No! he resolves to apply to the Savior on the strength of it. While prostrate at His footstool, his language is, "You have said that You will not reject those who come to You, and I praise Your blessed name for having made such a statement. I, therefore, a poor, guilty, hell-deserving creature, present myself before You, not doubting but that You will be as good as Your Word. O Friend of sinners, in infinite love and mercy remember me. You are able to save to the uttermost, and this is my humble, heart-felt cry — Lord, save me, or I perish!"

Such, we conceive, is saving faith. It is not a mere notional belief in the person, or work, or character, or sufferings of Christ; but it leads the soul in its deep distress to apply to Him, in order to obtain the salvation which He procured by His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, and which He has promised to bestow without money and without price.

We have a striking emblem of the sinner believing in Christ, in the conduct of the children of Israel, when they were stung by the serpents in the wilderness. See the serpent-bitten Israelite writhing in the agonies of death. The poison is in his blood; the fever is burning through his convulsed and agonizing frame. But in his extremity he is exhorted to look to the bronze serpent which is lifted up on a pole in the midst of the camp. The bronze emblem of the Redeemer appears before him, and he casts his languid eye upon it. The ravages of the disease are at once stayed; the pulses of health begin to beat within him; and with renovated vigor he is restored to the bosom of his family and friends.

Now in reference to this memorable scene, the Savior says, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up; that whoever believes in Him should not perish — but have eternal life." We are thus clearly shown that if we only look to Him in the exercise of faith, the blessed consequence will be — that we shall live. He is now lifted up, not on the cross — but at the right hand of the Majesty on high; and from yonder radiant throne on which He sits as a Prince and Savior, His language is, "Look unto Me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other!"

"If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." Matthew 16:24.

In order to follow Christ aright — we must follow Him fully ; we must possess the spirit of those of whom it is said, "These are those who follow the Lamb wherever He goes!" Such was strikingly the case with the early disciples of the Savior. He said to them, "Follow Me" — and immediately they left all, and followed Him. They did not confer for a single moment with flesh and blood — but at once abandoned their homes, their ease, their earthly prospects — for the great object of promoting His cause. In obedience to His command, they engaged in the most arduous enterprises; they encountered the most formidable difficulties and dangers; perils, whether by sea or by land, they heeded not; the most fiery persecutions they patiently, yes, joyfully bore — rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer for His sake! None of these things moved them, neither did they count their lives dear to them, so that they might finish their course with joy. Their exclusive desire was that Christ should be magnified — and whether this was done by living or dying, they were equally satisfied.

Now the same command which was addressed to them — is addressed to us. And is the Savior's authority less binding, and His claims less imperative upon us — than they were upon them? Are we to hesitate — when they were so decided? Are we to recede — when they advanced? Are we to be faint-hearted — when they waxed valiant for the fight, and went forth conquering and to conquer?

In order to be followers of them, as they were also of Christ, a spirit of self-denial is indispensable. The great Master did not please Himself — and by having the mind that was in Him, they clearly showed that they were His disciples, not in name only — but in deed and in truth. Alas! how great the disparity that exists between us and them — and especially between us and Him! "The best of us," as one observes, "have abundant cause to pray for a deeper baptism of His spirit.

Blessed Savior! blessed pattern! how did You leave the delights of heaven and Your Father's bosom, on a mission of most generous mercy! Your love grudged no labor; Your eye refused no pity; Your ear was never shut against the story of distress; Your hand was always ready to relieve the sufferer. From Your cradle to Your grave — Your whole life was passed in daily acts of the loftiest self-denial. And, with the blood trickling down Your brow, and the heavy cross on Your lacerated back upon Your way to Calvary, to save the vilest wretches and the chief of sinners — You turn around to say to us — If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." Christian, listen to His voice, and comply with His injunction.

And remember for your encouragement, that such a course will be attended with the richest compensations. "Peter said to Him, 'We have left all we had to follow You!' 'I tell you the truth,' Jesus said to them, 'no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God — will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life!" Luke 18:28-30

There is, we believe, nothing invidious or uncharitable in the statement, that the saints of old were in general of a more eminent stamp, of a more robust spiritual constitution than the majority of the present race of professing Christians. It may be truly said, "There were giants in the earth in those days!" But what made them so preeminent? We answer, without hesitation, that it was their private communion with God; it was their dwelling in the secret place of the Most High, and abiding under the shadow of the Almighty. The prayer-closet was to them a hallowed place; it was truly consecrated ground.

It was a Bethel to their souls — a spot which they found, like Jacob of old, to be none other than the house of God , and the very gate of heaven!

It was a Peniel — where they often wrestled even until the dawn of day; and in consequence of their importunity — they had power with God and prevailed.

It was a Tabor — where spiritual transformations were frequently realized, which led them to say, "Lord, it is good for us to be here!" And, like Peter, they would there have pitched their tents, and made it the place of their constant abode — had not the calls of active duty urged them to arise and depart.

It was a Moriah , where the most remarkable interpositions were given. It was the mountain of the Lord , where His covenant was ratified, and His wonders seen! And, filled with rapturous joy, and inspired with holy confidence, they have shouted, "Jehovah-jireh! the Lord will provide!"

Christian, resolve to prize your closet more — and to frequent it oftener. It is only thus that you will become a follower of those, who through faith and patience are now inheriting the promises. They found the advantage of drawing near to their heavenly Father, and if you will imitate their example, you shall not go unrewarded. The benefits will be great and manifold; for while others may be in a languishing condition — your progress and profiting will be evident unto all.

"Herein is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; showing yourselves to be My disciples." John 15:8.

The essential glory of the Divine Being admits of neither limitation or increase . Shall the sun borrow beams from the glow-worm? Or can the tiny candle add to the effulgence of his noontide splendor? God would have been infinitely glorious in Himself — had not a single creature been called into existence! He was infinitely glorious in the solitudes of eternity — before any of the bright legions of cherubim or seraphim were created. The adorations of angels add nothing to His essential glory; and the blasphemies of men on earth, or of devils in hell, detract nothing from it. "Look at the heavens and see; gaze at the clouds high above you. If you sin — how does it affect God? If you multiply your transgressions — what does it do to Him? If you are righteous — what do you give Him, or what does He receive from your hand?" Job 35:5-7. There is thus, an important sense, in which He is altogether unaffected by our obedience on the one hand — and by our rebellion on the other. The wickedness of men cannot hurt Him; neither can the righteousness of men profit Him.

At the same time, it is possible for us to glorify God. An individual of exalted rank may possess every blessing in abundance, so as to need nothing that we might be able to do for him; and yet, such a one may be honored by us. In like manner, although the blessed God is in no way dependent upon our services — we are permitted, notwithstanding, to show forth the honor of His name, and make His praise glorious.

Not merely are we permitted to do so — but it is our incumbent duty — the neglect of which involves the greatest guilt, as well as the basest ingratitude. To glorify God is the great design for which we were formed , and, therefore, to lose sight of it is to miss the very end of our existence! What if the sun refused to diffuse its light and heat? Would not the law of its creation be transgressed, since it was expressly designed for that purpose? What if the showers refused to leave the clouds to fertilize the thirsty ground; or the earth to bring forth her treasures, after all the cultivation it had received?

What, however, would be merely unnatural in the inanimate creation — would in us be far more monstrous, inasmuch as we are capable of knowing our duty, and are under the highest obligations to perform it! Let the sun refuses to shine, and the showers refuse to descend, and the earth refuses to yield its produce — they but transgress the great law of their creation. Let us see to it — by all that is binding in the authority of the Most High God, by all that is solemn in the thought of our responsibility to Him, and by the appalling consequences which must ensue if His claims are disregarded — that we do not transgress that higher law under which we are placed — a law which requires us to glorify God, both with our bodies and spirits, which are His.

How fearful was the charge brought against the impious monarch of old — "The God in whose hand your breath is, and whose are all your ways — you have not glorified!" Reader, beware lest the same charge is brought against you. That it may not, seek to ascertain what the divine requirements are — with a full determination to comply with all of them. And what does the Lord your God require of you?

He requires your warmest gratitude — "for whoever offers praise glorifies Me." He requires your fullest confidence , so that, like the father of the faithful, you may be "strong in faith, giving glory to God." And, above all, He requires that every feeling and faculty of your nature be consecrated, in unreserved devotedness , to Him!

"What will you have me to do?" — should be your daily inquiry! And to be ever abounding in the work of the Lord — should be your constant aim and object. Seek, then, to be filled with all the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

"But I tell you: love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you." Matthew 5:44.

This precept, like every other which the Savior delivered, was strikingly exemplified in His own history. The spirit which He manifested towards those who hated Him with the most bitter hatred, was truly admirable. Let us think of Him especially while passing through the trying scenes which issued in His death. At His trial the officers of government were convinced of His innocence, and therefore acquitted Him. But this would not satisfy His foes, who were determined to take away His life; and hence on the very day on which He was publicly declared to be guiltless, He was led forth to die. Yonder is the meek sufferer , driven on by a shouting, infuriated rabble up the hill of Calvary. In a short time He reaches its summit, and, after being stripped of His clothing, He is stretched upon the ignominious cross. Large iron spikes, strong enough to bear the weight of a man's body, are hammered through His hands and feet; and He is then lifted up between heaven and earth — a spectacle of shame and agony — naked, and wounded, and bleeding!

When thus suspended, the crowds mock Him, the scribes and priests revile Him, and the soldiers torment Him with crude violence. But while all this is going on, let us turn to look at Him; let us contemplate that visage which is so marred, and that blessed face which is spit upon and buffeted. And what does it express? In all its lines there are indications of grief and bitter anguish — but there are no traces of anything approaching to resentment or revenge. Let us, however, not merely gaze upon His countenance — but listen to His voice . It is addressed to Him who is the God of truth and righteousness, and who executes judgment for those that are oppressed. And for what does He ask? Is it for legions of angels to avenge the insults He receives? Is it for the thunderbolt to strike, or the consuming flame to devour the impious wretches around Him? No! But lifting up His languid eyes to heaven, He cries, "Father, forgive them — for they know not what they do!" What a prayer to issue from the quivering lips of one so cruelly treated! What a spirit for Him to manifest while thus mocked, insulted, tormented!

In the apostle Paul we have also a striking example of the same feeling. On one occasion we hear him saying, "Not that I have anything to accuse my own nation of." But how could that be, since it is well known that they cherished the bitterest animosity towards him? Who was it that hunted him from place to place, even as David was hunted by Saul, like a partridge upon the mountains? Who was it that shouted in a burst of malignant frenzy, "Away with such a fellow from the earth, for it is not fit that he should live!" Who was it that vowed a solemn vow, that they would neither eat nor drink until they had taken away his life? They were not Romans — but Jews; they were his own kinsmen according to the flesh. And yet he declares that he has nothing to charge them with, notwithstanding their cruel treatment of him; a declaration which shows that their vile conduct was forgiven and forgotten, and that all their deadly animosity was buried in the oblivion of love.

Christian, seek to be like-minded. Pray to be baptized with the same spirit, for a nobler, lovelier one cannot be conceived. "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice; and be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you."

"I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!" Luke 12:4-5.

The representations which are given of God in His Word are eminently calculated to produce, in every reflecting mind, a feeling of sacred awe. What is there declared of His infinite greatness — is especially adapted to secure such a result. How striking, for example, are the words of the prophet: "Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, Measured heaven with a span And calculated the dust of the earth in a measure? Weighed the mountains in scales And the hills in a balance?" Isaiah 40:12

What a view of the Divine greatness is here presented! Let us think of the mass of waters contained in the caverns of the various oceans. How vast their depth, and how extended their length and breadth! Yet to God so insignificant are they — that He measures the whole in the hollow of His hand!

Let us think again of the heavens above — the sun, and moon, and stars; how amazing their dimensions, how immense their orbits! But He measures with a span — almost the least of measures — all the boundless regions through which they sweep in their majestic courses!

Let us also think of the earth beneath, with its islands, its cloud-capped mountains, its trackless forests, its boundless plains; yet He measures the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighs the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance!

And as to the nations, with their teeming myriads of population, "Behold all the nations of the world are but a drop in the bucket. They are nothing more than dust on the scales. He picks up the whole earth as though it were a grain of sand. Yes, all the nations of the world are worth nothing to Him. In His eyes they count for less than nothing — mere emptiness and froth."

How reasonable is it, then, that this glorious Being, whose greatness is unsearchable, should be regarded with feelings of the profoundest reverence. "Who would not fear you, O King of nations!" It is, indeed, His due, and as such He claims it from all His creatures. To have no fear of Him before our eyes, is at once the greatest injustice , and the most unutterable folly! All who have the boldness to lift up their puny arms in rebellion against Him — are engaged in a conflict, which, if persisted in, is sure to terminate in their utter destruction!

Reader, think of His incomprehensible greatness and majesty. Think of Him as the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity — the heavens His throne , the earth His footstool , the light His garment , the clouds His chariot , the thunder His voice! Viewing Him thus — it will be impossible for you to treat Him with indifference, far less with scornful disdain. If you are only brought in some measure to realize the fact that He is great — you cannot fail to acknowledge that He is greatly to be feared, and to be had in reverence by all His creatures.

Just so, with all the other attributes of His nature. Who can think of His power so mighty, so irresistible — a power that is able to crush us into atoms with infinitely greater ease than we can tread the crawling worm beneath our feet — and not fear Him?

Who can think of His knowledge , nothing being hidden from His omniscient glance, the darkness of midnight and the splendor of noon, being altogether alike to Him — and not fear Him?

Who can think, especially, of the terrors of His avenging justice , as when He proclaims from His exalted throne, "I kill, and I make alive, neither is there any who can deliver out of My hand! If I sharpen My flashing sword and My hand grasps it in judgment, I will take vengeance on My adversaries and repay those who hate Me!" — and not fear Him? Our God is, truly, a consuming fire! It is most befitting for us, to regard Him with reverence and godly fear.

It is not those who can deprive us of our present life, that we should so much dread. It is not the loaded musket aimed as us; it is not the axe of the executioner suspended over our heads; it is not the naked sword ready to be plunged into our vitals — which should alarm us. The sight of the instruments of death has, it is true, unnerved the stoutest heart; even the frowns of a fellow-worm have often caused the most reckless to tremble. Limited, however, and of brief duration — is the power of all mortal foes at best. They can kill the body — and then have no more that they can do. "But," says the faithful witness, "I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!"

"If you love Me, keep My commandments." John 14:15.

The Savior was accustomed often to state the same truths, in His addresses to the people, and in His more private conversations with His disciples. It was not because of any lack of matter that He did so, for He might have kept His hearers in enrapt astonishment at the perpetual freshness of His ideas. But He chose to harp again and again on the same strings, for the purpose of impressing the truth upon the minds of His hearers.

We have a striking example of this in the last discourse which He delivered. He had but a short time to remain with the disciples, and He had much to say to them on various subjects; but, notwithstanding, we find Him frequently reiterating the same lesson, giving them line upon line, and precept upon precept. In the fourteenth verse of the chapter before us, He says, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." A little further on He adds, "He who has My commandments, and keeps them, he it is who loves Me." Again, He declares, "If any man loves Me, he will keep My Words, and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He who loves Me not, keeps not My sayings." It is evident that there must be something specially important in this subject, or He would not have thought it necessary to advert to it so repeatedly.

And what topic can have higher claims upon our attention than that which is here set forth? The question "Do you love Me?" is of all others, the most momentous; and hence, to ascertain whether the Savior's love has been shed abroad in our hearts — is a matter that demands our most serious consideration. It is a point on which our present state and our future destiny depends. Without love to Christ, we cannot be the friends of Christ; and if we are not His friends, we are enemies to Him, by wicked works, and as such, we are exposed to His everlasting displeasure.

There are various ways in which we may evidence the sincerity of our love to Him — but the chief is compliance with His commands . "Why do you call Me, Lord, Lord — and do not do what I say?" It is not by the leaves of an empty profession , nor by any blossoms or buds, however full of promise, which, after all, frequently prove abortive — that we are to be known — but by the actual fruits of holy, sincere, constant, and universal obedience. Such is the practical test, by which we should now examine ourselves, inasmuch as our acceptance or rejection with God, will turn upon it in the great day of final reckoning.

The commands which the Savior enjoins, are not grievous. He does not require us to offer thousands of rams, or ten thousands of rivers of oil; to make long and painful pilgrimages, to inflict tortures upon our bodies, or cover ourselves with sackcloth and ashes. The rigors of superstition are altogether alien to the spirit of that gracious system which He came to establish. His yoke is easy and His burden is light; and all His injunctions are intended to promote our happiness, both here and hereafter. Let our language, then, be, "O that my ways were directed to keep your statutes! Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all your commandments."

"But he who shall endure unto the end — the same shall be saved." Mark 13:13.

There was great need for the Savior to caution His followers against the sin of backsliding, inasmuch as many who had once identified themselves with His cause, went back, and walked with Him no more. In the times of the apostles also, the same danger existed, as appears from Paul's exhortation to the Hebrews — "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God," and a similar warning is greatly applicable in the present day.

That there is something peculiarly heinous in such conduct is evident from the following considerations: In the first place, it is a sin expressive of the most extreme folly . This feature belongs to every sin, and therefore wicked men are frequently represented as fools ; but this is especially the case with the sin of backsliding. What would be thought of people in a time of drought — if they moved their tents from a full fountain which was close at hand, with the expectation of getting a larger supply by settling in a dry desert, where, with the greatest labor, they had to hew out for themselves cisterns — yes, broken cisterns, which could hold no water? Now, this is what we do when we depart from God; and hence both heaven and earth are called upon to wonder at such detestable folly — the folly of leaving Him who is the source of all felicity — and of engaging in the useless toil!

In the next place, it is a sin committed without any provocation whatever, there being nothing in the Blessed God to deserve such treatment from us. Has He ever been a hard or austere Master? Has His conduct on any occasion evinced an unfeeling and unforbearing spirit? Have we found any iniquity in Him, that we should forsake Him? "O My people, what have I done to you — or how have I wearied you? Testify against Me!" Alas! what can we testify? All we can say is, "O Lord, righteousness belongs unto you — but unto us confusion of face, as it is this day."

Again, it is a sin that involves the greatest ingratitude . Not merely has He done nothing against us — but how much has He done for us! He led His people of old through the wilderness, and brought them to a plentiful land, to eat of the fruit thereof, and the goodness thereof; and yet, notwithstanding all His mercies, their hearts were fully set upon backsliding from Him. And how often has it been with us — as it was with them!

Finally, what solemn engagements are violated by this sin! To bin